Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography accurately mapped the 7.8-magnitude Nepal earthquake's movement, revealing a three-stage rupture process that poses significant seismic risks to the region. The study will serve as an important benchmark for understanding future seismic risks in the Himalayan region.
Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.
New research from the University of Adelaide suggests that a major mud volcano disaster in Indonesia was triggered by a drilling accident rather than an earthquake. The study used physical data collected before and after the disaster to disprove existing earthquake-triggering models.
AGU researchers explore the impact of the Sabah earthquake on sediment production and river systems in Malaysia, while also discussing improved predictions for Arctic sea ice extent. The findings highlight the urgent need to better understand and predict these natural phenomena.
Researchers studied earthquake history in the eastern Indian Ocean, tracing modes of coastal sedimentation over time. They discovered seven subduction zone earthquakes recorded 3,800 to 7,500 years ago, indicating past tsunamis occurred approximately four to six times.
A team of geologists measured and simulated a complete seismic cycle at Isla Santa María, Chile, revealing a 10-20% permanent vertical uplift. The cycle was triggered by the 1835 earthquake, which caused an initial uplift of 2-3 meters.
A new study finds that wastewater injection rate is the strongest trigger for induced quakes, with high-rate wells nearly twice as likely to cause earthquakes. The research analyzed public data on operational wells across the US and discovered a strong correlation between injection rate and induced seismicity.
Two MGH physicians, Renee Salas and Annekathryn Goodman, share their experiences in Nepal earthquake relief, highlighting the challenges of wilderness medicine in remote environments. The teams worked together to provide emergency care and support, while also addressing emotional devastation inflicted on villagers.
Experts warn that the recent earthquake has created conditions ripe for a hepatitis E outbreak, which could be especially deadly to pregnant women. The researchers estimate that 500 pregnant women could die from the virus in the coming months if no action is taken.
Researchers used innovative methods to examine the ground around Mbeya in Tanzania, finding evidence of fluidisation and massive ground deformation. This discovery could be used to model how structures might be affected by future earthquakes, providing a valuable tool for hazard assessment.
A team of international volunteers is mapping landslide locations in earthquake-affected Nepal to identify additional hazards. Using satellite data from various sources, they have mapped nearly 1,000 landslides, providing critical information for evacuation and relief efforts.
Dr. Hiroo Kanamori received the Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal for his pioneering discoveries in understanding large earthquakes and developing scaling relations between earthquake parameters. His work has allowed geoscientists to better predict tsunami-prone communities.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that a universal sliding mechanism operates for earthquakes of all depths. The research, led by UC Riverside geologists, suggests that both shallow and deep earthquakes share the same physics once started.
Scientists are continuing their research in the Himalayas to understand the seismic hazard along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust Fault. The team is searching for ground ruptures that may help quantify the potential for additional earthquakes in the magnitude 8 or 9 range after a devastating earthquake hit Nepal.
A recent study by Kristin Morell and colleagues reveals the Himalayan Front's central seismic gap is overdue for a major earthquake. The researchers used geomorphic and erosion rate data to define the active detachment fault likely to host a large earthquake, pinpointing a distinctive physiographic transition in Uttarakhand, India.
The 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake was measured directly from space 450 kilometers above the planet's surface. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites captured the significant ionospheric signature produced by the quake's infrasonic wave output.
Researchers use geological features to predict seismic activity in regions with low historical earthquake records. Experts warn that even seemingly quiet areas can harbor significant quake risks, highlighting the need for increased preparedness and monitoring.
Researchers found that smartphones' GPS receivers can detect permanent ground movement caused by fault motion during large earthquakes. Crowd-sourced smartphone data can be used to build earthquake warning systems, providing early warnings to people in affected areas before strong shaking begins.
The study found that both faults are connected, allowing for a rupture to propagate across them, resulting in a significantly more destructive earthquake. The team used satellite data to map ground deformation and measure creep along the southern end of the Hayward Fault.
John Anderson's work has contributed to the development of strong-motion earthquake data networks globally, including Mexico, Turkey, Los Angeles, and Eastern U.S. His research on seismic hazard assessment and ground-motion prediction equations has also informed policy for improved seismic safety.
Researchers analyzed seabed samples off the coast of Turkey and found six large earthquakes in the area between 136 and 1896 AD. The study assigns past earthquakes to specific segments of the North Anatolian Fault, shedding light on the recurrence rate of earthquakes near Istanbul.
A new study reveals that the 2011 Japan earthquake triggered a significant release of climate-warming gases, including CFC-11 and HCFC-22, contributing to global warming. The study found that emissions increased by 21-91% over typical levels, equivalent to about 10% of Japanese vehicle emissions in 2011.
Researchers created a 3D map of the South Napa earthquake's impact using GPS and satellite readings, predicting ground shaking and estimating human and infrastructure impacts. The study could improve reaction time to deadly earthquakes, reducing fatalities and economic losses.
The study introduces a new developed CSELF technique and experimental examples, which can observe not only crustal resistivity but also electromagnetic fields. The technique is found effective for data analysis, e.g., EM spectra and apparent resistivities, using software such as the 'wavelet maxima' method.
A study analyzing Napa quake damage found that pre-1950 buildings in the sedimentary basin suffered the most severe shaking. The West Napa fault system, a lesser-known fault, triggered extensive damage to residential and commercial buildings.
Researchers studied stress fields along the San Andreas fault at the microscopic scale, revealing heterogeneous and high-stress areas in rock samples. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of earthquake events and advance seismicity research.
Case Western Reserve University researcher Michael Pollino developed a computer model that suggests optimal sizes for 'rocking steel-braced frames' to dissipate seismic energy. These designs could provide better earthquake resilience and repairability, potentially reducing costs.
Researchers have discovered a distinct inner-inner core with different iron crystal alignment and behavior compared to the outer layer. This finding could reveal information about the planet's formation and evolution
Researchers document fault rocks surrounding New Zealand's active Alpine Fault, recording slip rates and influencing earthquake processes. The study provides insights into the complex fault rock sequence resulting from past earthquakes, with potential applications for realistic ground shaking predictions.
Researchers analyzed data from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and found that sediment in affected river catchments remained for decades, longest where landsliding was highest. They also discovered low friction in the fault zone, contradicting previous observations.
Researchers found sections of the Tohoku fault were relieving seismic stress at an accelerating rate for years before the 9.0 magnitude quake, potentially shortening its occurrence time. The study used GPS measurements from a dense Japanese network to analyze decoupling and stress transfer along the fault line.
Geologists have figured out what caused the Alaska Range to form its distinctive topography and why it boasts such an enigmatic signature. The narrow mountain range's high peaks are built from previously fractured rock units, driven by movement along the Denali fault.
Researchers reconstructed the spatial pattern of major earthquakes along the Tangshan-Hejian-Cixian fault in Tianjin, revealing a 160-km seismic gap that has not been ruptured for over 8,400 years. This gap may be the next to rupture, generating a devastating earthquake similar to the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.
Researchers analyzed 1,400 damage sites to determine relationships between ground deformation and faults. They found evidence of reverse movement along preexisting faults, which caused widespread ground deformation in the San Andreas fault region.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown dense rock structure in the Earth's crust beneath Chile, influencing the size of a massive earthquake. The structure played a key role in slowing down the rupture, generating stronger shaking at the surface.
Dr. James Davis is being honored by the geoscience community for his work in advancing earthquake hazards preparedness and mitigation in the US. He has helped shape how geoscientists communicate with the public about seismic environments, and has been instrumental in implementing the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act in California.
New research provides estimates for probable maximum magnitude events in subduction zones for various time periods, including 250, 500 and 10,000 years. Most subduction zones can generate M 8.5 or greater over a 250-return period; M 8.8 or greater over 500 years; and M 9.0 or greater over 10,000 years.
Researchers from MIT and Turkey analyzed 20 years of GPS data to predict a major earthquake near Istanbul. The analysis suggests that the next large earthquake will occur along a seismic gap beneath the Sea of Marmara, west of Istanbul.
Experts argue that OEF is essential for reducing earthquake risk by providing authoritative information to policymakers and the public. Key findings include the potential for significant changes in earthquake probabilities over time, influenced by local seismic activity.
A study of 34 patients with persistent clinical symptoms and neurologic signs of impaired nerve function found that ultrasonography had a concordance rate of 98% with surgical results. The majority of patients (86%) showed good recovery after neurolysis, anastomosis, or transplantation.
Researchers analyzed near-real-time data from the April 1 earthquake in Iquique, Chile, and found that it occurred on a fault gap not ruptured since 1877. The study suggests that while the current stress was not released during the quake, it leaves open the possibility of another significant event.
A long-lasting foreshock series in northern Chile controlled the rupture process of a magnitude 8.1 earthquake, which occurred in a region where the two colliding tectonic plates were partly locked. The study suggests that the unbroken regions north and south may break in separate smaller earthquakes.
A 2010 Chilean earthquake caused icequakes in Antarctica due to the continent's sensitive response to seismic waves. Researchers detected high-frequency signals at 30% of seismic stations, indicating repeated failure and fracturing of ice near the surface.
Researchers estimate four to five large earthquakes occurred on the Seattle fault or related faults during the past 3,500 years. The study uses geologic data and new field evidence to reconstruct earthquake patterns in the Puget Lowland, a structurally complex region.
A 70-foot-long, 52-ton concrete bridge survived multiple simulated earthquakes in the University of Nevada, Reno's lab, exceeding design standards. The experiment showcased the new rocking bridge-bent accelerated bridge construction system, developed to reduce earthquake damage and speed up construction.
Scripps scientists find evidence of super-fast deep earthquakes that rupture at depths of over 400 km, offering new clues about the forces behind these events. This discovery provides insights into fast-breaking earthquakes near Earth's surface.
Researchers have developed a new bridge design that uses pre-fabricated columns and beams to improve earthquake resistance, reduce damage, and speed up on-site construction. The system achieves faster construction by shipping pre-fabricated components to the site, where they are erected quickly.
Scientists use LiDAR to create detailed topographical models of the Haiyuan fault zone, providing new insights into tectonic geomorphic features and displacement measurements. The high-resolution digital models enable accurate identification of fault traces and improved site-specific fault activity studies.
A new study suggests that the Bay Area may experience a cluster of major earthquakes, releasing as much stress as the Great 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This cluster occurred between 1690 and 1776 on multiple faults, including the Hayward and San Andreas faults.
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico's Guerrero State on May 8, triggering rain from dissipating tropical low pressure system System 90E. NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of the system three hours later, showing high cloud tops and potential for heavy rainfall.
Scientists can use the seismic signals to better understand glacier behavior and track changes in real-time. The Alaska Earthquake Center has recorded over 2,800 glacial events, which could provide new insights into glacier dynamics and potential advances in field studies.
A new study suggests that the maximum earthquake magnitude scales with the maturity of a fault, putting limits on seismic hazard for less mature parts of fault zones. The study found that older sections of transform faults produce the largest earthquakes, such as the North Anatolian Fault Zone and the San Andreas Fault.
Researchers analyzed the Chile earthquake of February 2010, finding that fluid pressure in rocks affects earthquake rupture processes. The study revealed that mechanical coupling between plates controls stress build-up and seismic energy release, with fluid pressure variations linked to subduction zone dynamics.
A massive earthquake triggered a global 'stress shadow' where nearly all potential faults remained inactive for 95 days. This rare phenomenon suggests that large quakes can temporarily relieve stress on nearby faults.
Rapid urbanization exposes French cities to significant seismic risk, with old structures posing a major vulnerability. The study found that if the 1909 Lambesc earthquake were to occur today, the region would suffer serious consequences, including damage to over 15,000 buildings.
A new study by Italian researchers suggests that a person's activity at the time of a quake influences their perception of shaking more than their location. People in motion had the worst perception, while those who were asleep on higher floors reported stronger shaking.
Geophysicist Seth Stein warns that humans are often outsmarted by nature during disasters, causing unnecessary damage despite expensive mitigation measures. Stein advocates for a thoughtful approach to disaster preparedness, integrating science, economics, and policy formulation to make informed decisions.
Researchers propose that a 33 A.D. Old Jerusalem earthquake triggered neutron radiation, causing the Shroud's distinctive image and potentially leading to incorrect radiocarbon dating results. The theory is based on piezonuclear fission reactions and suggests that neutron emissions from earthquakes could have imprinted the image onto t...
A study reveals that the Georgia Basin, a rigid soil bowl beneath Vancouver, can amplify earthquake effects, causing potential devastation beyond building codes' preparedness. The basin's unique geography traps and amplifies seismic waves, predicting extended shaking times for shallow quakes.
A cheap and simple technology developed at the University of Sheffield can repair earthquake damaged buildings in a matter of days, reducing delays for homeless people. The 'belt' technique involves wrapping metal straps around each floor to increase the building's ability to withstand further earthquake movement.